According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health encompasses holistic well-being, including physical, mental, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and social dimensions, rather than just the absence of illness or disability." This definition emphasizes on the overall well-being of the individual, that is the physiology (normal function) and anatomy (normal structure) - a holistic nature of health in total and not just the absence of illness (pathology).
Unwavering sleep is defined as a natural relaxing state of mind and body, characterized by little or no form of consciousness - reduced sensory activity or/and inhibition of voluntary muscles, World Health Organization (WHO) defines sleep as a reversible behavioral state of perceptual disengagement from and unresponsiveness to the environment, accompanied by greatly reduced responsiveness to external stimuli.
As we narrow the above definition to the Eyes, this blog shall elucidate the damaging effect of sleep deprivation which ripples from the cellular level through the tissue, organ (e.g. the eyes) to the individuals' general well-being (system).
SLEEP DEPRIVATION AND SLEEPLESSNESS
Sleep deprivation refers to the state where an individual does not get enough sleep, due to either external factors like work or lifestyle.
While sleeplessness is a disorder (insomnia) that could be ACUTE or CHRONIC and it's often characterized by difficulty of either falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, which often results in accumulated sleep debt even when there is an opportunity for sleep.
Prolonged sleeplessness or sleep deprivation can lead to various health conditions such as;
- Impaired cognitive function, which would lead to increased risk of accidents due to impaired judgment and reaction time.
- Decreased immune function which can increase susceptibility to illnesses.
- Increased risk of chronic conditions like obesity, hypertension and diabetes.
- Emotional fluctuations such as irritability and depressive symptoms.
- Dry or Irritated eyes, as well as increased risk of eye infections due to reduced tear production.
- Eye strain, which may result in blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty focusing.
Our post on stress and its effect on the eye explains in detail the above conditions relating to sleep deprivation and eye health, as STRESS is known to be a major product of sleep deprivation.
BENEFITS OF ADEQUATE SLEEP
As established, if prolonged sleep deprivation or sleeplessness can have serious health consequences, it is essential to prioritize getting enough rest of a recommended amount, typically around 7-9 hours of sleep for adults per night. However, individual needs can vary hence it's essential to find a sleep duration that allows you to feel rested and alert during the day for physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being and the overall eye health - which includes optimized visual function.
CONCLUSION
For affordable and fashionable eye care - which is the summary of a detailed and wholistic eye care, SPECSMART EYE CLINIC is the place to be.